Palmer
Square says it never promised to provide security
At
the request of Palmer Square Management, the Princeton Borough
Zoning Board of Adjustment on Thursday unanimously voted to
remove a finding of fact in the previously approved
application for Quark Park — the science-themed outdoor
sculpture garden being created behind the Hulfish Street
parking garage on Palmer Square
property.
The finding of fact, which was
based on a statement by park creator Kevin Wilkes during the
initial hearing in June, said that Palmer Square Management
would provide security for the park. But representatives of
Palmer Square Management said they never promised such a thing
and asked that the record be
corrected.
"I think it's very important
that we clarify the record," said Tom Letizia, a lawyer
representing Palmer Square Management. "That sentence needs to
be stricken."
Mr. Wilkes acknowledged his
mistake, adding that he had thought Palmer Square Management
provided security for Writer's Block, an outdoor park erected
in 2004 on Palmer Square property.
"I was
incorrect," Mr. Wilkes said. "Palmer Square has not made that
offer and will not make that
offer."
Princeton Borough Police have
said they will periodically check on the park as part of their
regular patrols, Mr. Wilkes said in a statement following
Thursday's meeting. In addition, park gates will be closed and
locked at night to prevent unauthorized
entrance.
Quark Park will be open from
dawn until 11 p.m. daily and admission is free of charge,
except for specific fundraising events. The park is not
permanent and will be removed by the end of November this
year.
Mr. Wilkes also announced after the
meeting that Princeton University has donated $5,000 to Quark
Park. The money is intended to help the park reach its
financial goals in order for it to be completed by the Sept. 8
opening gala.
"This donation comes at a
critical time," Mr. Wilkes said. "We had lost a bit of
financial momentum and this donation, along with two other
private donations of $1,000 apiece, put us back in the black
and will allow us to resume
work."
According to Mr. Wilkes, Quark
Park has now raised almost $34,000 and is about $15,000 shy of
the total amount needed for
completion.
The construction of an $8,000
stage and amphitheater still needs to be funded, Mr. Wilkes
said, adding that a donor has offered to match funds for that
project. "A gift now, directed toward the stage and seating,
will reap double the money for Quark Park," he noted. "So
please, we are still in need of donations from the public."
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